Be His (Online) Guest – Artist Martin Hsu Digital Event

Do you miss the Artist in Residence events at the Wonderground Gallery at Downtown Disney? I certainly do! So I was thrilled when Martin Hsu, who was initially scheduled for one of those events for August 2020, announced he was planning his own online Artist in Residence event. Now, because this event is not associated with Disney, no Disney characters are included in his art this time around. You can still buy his Disney pieces at the Wonderground Gallery!

Who is Martin Hsu?

Martin is a San Francisco-based artist, best known for his imaginative interpretations of fairy tales and myths. Once you see his goldfish mermaids, you’ll never forget them. His two original characters, Dragon Boy and Dragon Dog, are bursting with positive energy. And many San Diego Comic-Con attendees will certainly remember his lovingly whimsical takes on different pop culture icons, especially characters from Studio Ghibli films.

But my personal favorites of his creations are his works on wood panels. The paintings appear to almost glow with light. A few pieces in that style will be available during this event and I am already tempted.

Before the Event

If you want to get the most out of this event, there is some prep work you might consider doing. Starting August 17 at 9am Pacific, the Artist in Residence Online shop goes live. Collectors and fans should note one of the limited edition items in Martin’s shop called the Hsuper Pass ($15). Buying one of these signed and dated cards nets you a number of perks:

• a free Artist in Residence Online Exclusive Print- “Be My Guest” 5 x 7″ LTD print. Signed and dated by Martin Hsu.
• a free Artist in Residence Online Exclusive Vinyl Sticker. Available only to first 50 Passholders.
• Free US Shipping on your entire Martin Hsu Artist in Residence Online orders $100+. Use code: AIR2020FREESHIPPING valid now thru 8/30.
• Your email added to VIP Art Preview for first dibs on all exclusives.
• Access to VIP Zoom Opening Party on 8/26!

The Art Part

The public release for the Artist in Residence items begins on August 26 at 9am Pacific. However, Hsuper Passholders are able to place purchases a bit earlier (date and time TBA). You can also be added to the preview/pre-sale list by emailing Martin at martinhsuart[at]gmail.com.

Here is what will be available:

• Golden Lullabies Paintings – Mulan, Mally (Maleficent), and Alice. These are actually pre-order items. These are the mock-ups of what will be gold acrylic on wood panel paintings.

• The 7 Dwarf Pups Paintings – Martin reimagines one of his original characters as the 7 Dwarves in these one-of-a-kind-paintings. Shown here from top to bottom are Smiley Pup, Lucky Pup, and Growly Pup.

• Modern Fairy Tale Paintings – New print packs of Martin’s version of Mulan, Goldilocks, Snow White, Alice, and Goldfish Mermaids.

• Cat paintings – the Cheshire Cat, mer-cats, and others.

• Dragon Boy Super Custom Show – Five brand new versions of Martin’s Dragon Boy figure, created by Mark Nagata, Bill Robinson, Miss Mindy, and Martin Hsu.
• And more!

The Online Event

The Artist in Residence online event runs from August 26 at 9am Pacific through August 30 at 12pm Pacific. The event will mainly be available via videos on IG Live (follow @martinhsuart along with the hashtag #MartinHsuAIRonline on Instagram to join in). It follows a format similar to one Martin hosted in July for San Diego Comic Con Online.

Among the programming will be live paintings, studio tours, and interviews with other Wonderground Gallery artists. And if you managed to score one of those Hsuper Passes, you are also invited to the VIP Party on Zoom, which will take place on August 26.

Thanks For Reading!

I hope you’ll join me at the online event. And let me know your favorite of Martin’s pieces in the comments below!